A look at Baylor

The Bears look to defend it in their new stadium this year.

Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty (14) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Last season, Baylor won its first Big 12 title since winning the 1980 Southwest Conference title. The Bears look to defend it in their new stadium this year.

However, if Baylor wants to take it a step further and fight for one of the top four spots in college football, it will have to go undefeated — because a soft nonconference schedule won’t sway the committee.

Bryce Petty returns as quarterback for the Bears after throwing for 4,200 yards and 32 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Most of his offensive weapons return in receivers Antwan Goodley, Levi Norwood and Clay Fuller. Joining Petty in the backfield is Shock Linwood, who stepped up when Lache Seastrunk was injured. Linwood finished the season as the Bears’ No. 2 rusher. The loss of Cyril Richardson hurts, but the return of Spencer Drango from injury is key to Baylor’s offensive success.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears look strong in the front seven. Linebacker Bryce Hager returns from an injury to “quarterback” the defense.

The biggest question for this year’s Baylor team is the secondary. Every starter from 2013 graduated. In the high-flying Big 12, pass defense is crucial.